The previously proposed rules in
Chapters 1 and 5, and new Chapter 6, have been adopted, effective 01/22/2018. You may access them on the WOGCC website under Rules. They are also accessible on the Secretary of State's website.
The new fees for applications set for hearing will be $250 for new applications and $125 for
continuances. These fees will take effect on February 1, 2018.

The State Lands Office has been receiving
Applications for Permit to Drill (Form 1) documents from
operators. Please do not send these APDs
to the Office of State Lands and Investments as they are not required.

Kimberly Mazzakimberly.mazza@wyo.govnoticetooperators-13https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/wyo.gov/oil-and-gas/32060341665706959772017-11-01T15:29:48.610Z2018-01-19T01:30:00.831Z2017-12-15T22:55:13.901ZTwo New Members Joining the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

Governor Matt Mead has appointed Ken Hendricks to the Wyoming
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (OGCC). Mr. Hendricks replaces Tom
Fitzsimmons who resigned. Erin Campbell will begin her duties as State
Geologist on November 21 and will join the OGCC at their December 12 meeting.
Campbell will replace Tom Drean whose retirement is effective November 21.

“The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, with its wealth of
experience and expertise, is a special group. I know the public and the industry
appreciate the OGCC’s willingness to listen and make wise decisions,” said
Governor Mead. “Ken and Erin are highly qualified and will continue the OGCC’s good
work. I thank Tom Drean and Tom Fitzsimmons for their contributions and service.”

Ken Hendricks has a BS in Petroleum Engineering from the
Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology (Montana Tech) and has over
30 years of experience in the upstream petroleum industry, both domestic and
international. He recently retired from Anadarko Petroleum. He and his family
have lived in Wyoming since 1998.

“I am very honored to be appointed by Governor Mead to serve
the State of Wyoming as a commissioner on the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission,” said Hendricks. “In replacing Tom
Fitzsimmons I have big shoes to fill, but I'm looking forward to working with
Governor Mead, the other members of the Oil and Gas Commission, and the OGCC
staff on the oil and gas issues that are affecting our state."

The OGCC meets the second Tuesday of each month at its
office in Casper. The remaining meetings for 2017 are November 14 and December
12.

Since
the Office of State Lands and Investments has advised us they no longer need a
copy of any APD involving state lands, and, since APDs are scanned
when they are approved or denied, we ask operators to discontinue
sending in copies with the original APD packet.

The WOGCC will continue to send to the operators the
receipt, the Conditions of Approval page and the horizontal application
acceptance or denial when the permit is approved.If additional information is needed, the
scanned image is available from our website.

The Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI) is pleased to announce the initiation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) designed to acquire real world Wyoming reservoir operating data in partnership with various technology vendors and Wyoming operators. Data collected from approved projects will be used by the Institute’s research, engineering and geology staff to analyze Wyoming reservoirs and technologies. The goal being to suggest improved, economic methods for recovering larger volumes of stranded oil and gas which is at the heart of the Institute’s mission and legislative mandate.

The program offers cost sharing on a dollar for dollar basis (50% or 1:1) with successful applicants. EORI will provide up to half of the direct costs to conduct the study until the budget of $500,000 is exhausted or until June 30, 2018. The Institute will consider a number of projects to be funded that will address a variety of research topics. This program is open to all oil and gas operators and oil and gas industry vendors doing business in the State of Wyoming producing oil and gas from reservoirs in the state.

Wyoming has a rich and varied geology and therefore a rich and varied collection of geological traps and structures that produce oil and gas. The objective of this program is to gather a diverse set of real world operating data looking at various approaches to increased oil and gas production in these varied production scenarios. Examples might be inter-well tracer tests to determine thief zones, connectivity, and flow characteristics of a reservoir. New technologies that hold promise for solving production problems might be good candidates for pilot tests. Of interest to the Institute is our ability to address as many production problems/issues as possible across as many Wyoming reservoirs/rocks as possible.

For more information, please contact the Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute at (307) 315-6447

Governor Matt Mead has chosen Erin Campbell as the new state geologist and director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey, or WSGS. This role is not only responsible for studying the state's mineral resources and advising the government but also serves as one of the WOGCC Commissioners. Campbell is expected to take over the reins November 21st. To read more about Erin Campbell and her recent selection, please see this Wyoming Public News article by clicking here.

Kimberly Mazzakimberly.mazza@wyo.govgovernormattmeadnameserincampbellasnewstategeologist3https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/wyo.gov/oil-and-gas/1940051885637896032017-07-14T21:34:25.784Z2018-01-19T01:30:00.741Z2017-07-14T21:39:06.365ZPOLICY FOR PROTESTED APDs TO START IN AUGUST

NEW POLICY FOR PROTESTED APDs TO START IN AUGUST: Due to the growing number of protested APDs that are continued on a month to month basis, the Protest Policy for Applications for Permit to Drill (APD) will start with the August 2017 hearingson all protested APD applications. You can read the new policy by clicking here.

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is
implementing an electronic reporting and database system called RBDMS eForm. Development of this system is being done in
phases.

Currently, the agency is conducting internal testing of
Phase 1, which includes electronic permits for APDs, baseline water sampling
plans and data submittal, and spud and BOP notifications. Phase
1 of eForm is expected to go live over the next couple of months with industry
user training sessions held over this timeframe. More information on these sessions will be coming
soon.

The remaining three phases of eForm will be developed over
the next year and a half as electronic permitting and filing of forms utilized
by the agency is integrated. WOGCC will
continue to provide more detailed reports on the status of RBDMS eForm
development as the program progresses.

WOGCC Supervisor Mark Watson recently presented before the Joint Minerals and Economic Development Interim Committee on oil and gas development in Wyoming and state primacy.

In his presentation, Watson said the WOGCC has seen a notable increase in applications for permits to drill (APDs) during 2017. The increase is more about companies seeking to secure operatorship of a well versus actual drilling activity. In Wyoming, when a company receives approval for a drilling and spacing unit (DSU), it is not a guarantee that it will be the operator of the wells in that DSU. The company that receives the first approved permit for each well in that DSU will be the company that has the right to drill. Right to operatorship is critical to companies. Drilling and completing a well requires several million dollars of investment, and the successful outcome of a well hinges on technical, downhole accuracy. This creates an urgency to be the first company that submits and receives approval of a permit in order to be able to call the shots when drilling and completing a well. Even though it costs $500 per application, it is well worth submitting APDs to get the right to be the operator.

Watson enumerated, that although 4847 APDs have been received and 3792 of those have been approved as of June 2017, only 25 rigs are operating throughout the state of Wyoming. The large amount of permits is more about securing the right to operatorship verses actual drilling.

Additionally, the WOGCC requires APDs for all mineral types i.e. Fee, State and Federal. The agency has jurisdiction for well spacing, force pooling, fracking and flaring and to assign an API number to each well.

When a well includes federal surface and/or federal minerals, it requires both state and federal permits. Approval of federal permits can take up to two years verses 30 to 60 days with the WOGCC. The Minerals Committee asked about state primacy as it relates to the oil and gas industry. Watson explained that unlike the EPA, the BLM does not have the authority to issue state primacy and to change that would be an arduous and lengthy process. Though there is a push among some state and federal legislators for state primacy with oil and gas, Watson recommended that working with the BLM to secure an MOU makes the most sense. This has been successful in other cases and would be the recommended course for a successful and expedited approach. However, with the new administration in place, Watson recommended a “wait and see” approach right now since there are many changes coming down from the White House.

In addition to touching on the WOGCC’s most recent rule changes including setbacks, baseline water sampling, authorization for flaring and venting of gas and bonding, the supervisor emphasized the state’s hydraulic fracturing rule. With the incorporation of Chapter 3, Section 45, the WOGCC implemented a comprehensive “Well Stimulation” rule in 2010, which applies to fee, state and federal minerals. The rule requires both pre and post chemical disclosure to the WOGCC including CAS numbers and is one of the most rigorous and transparent rules in the United States. Many states ask operators to use the FracFocus website to disclose their frac components. However, Wyoming is the only state that requires disclosure of a frac job’s makeup prior to operations. Additionally, unless a frac operation obtains Trade Secret Status for some chemicals, this information is accessible to the public on the WOGCC’s website.

In the final portion of his presentation, Supervisor Watson touched on the timelines for the recent federal regulations. These include the BLM’s Frack Rule; the BLM Methane and Waste Prevention Rule; EPA’s Methane Emissions from Existing Sources; and EPA’s Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed and Modified Sources. All are in ongoing litigation.

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules require that oil and gas operators perform operations and maintain well locations at all times in a safe and workmanlike manner, having due regard for the preservation and conservation of the property and for the health and safety of employees and people residing in close proximity to those operations (Chpt. 4, Sec. 4).

In lieu of the recent Colorado flowline incident, the WOGCC is reminding operators to carefully adhere to the following flowline procedures as oultlined in the WOGCC Rules, Chpt. 4, Sec. 15.

(a) An Owner/Operator of a well or wells shall notify the Supervisor of all above and below ground flowlines and vessels, including tanks, if the flowlines or vessels are not used for a period of two (2) years. After consideration of the relevant circumstances, the Supervisor on a case-by-case basis, may require the flowline or facilities to be purged with fresh water or inert gases, drained and depressured. The Owner/Operator shall provide notification of the purging operation to the Supervisor or Authorized Agent.

(b) The Supervisor may require the Owner or Operator to abandon and/or remove all above ground piping. If flowlines or facility piping are removed, the removal shall be done in a manner that prevents the escape of fluids, that is:

(i) Purge with fresh water or inert gases, drain and depressure; then,

(ii) Seal the line or cap at both ends. If not removed, the Owner or Operator will be required to mark remaining piping to identify as purged piping.

(c) If underground flowlines or facility piping are abandoned in place, the Owner or Operator shall meet the following requirements:

(i) Purge with fresh water or inert gases, drain and depressure the flowline and piping;

(ii) Seal the line or cap at both ends; and,

(iii) Bury at least twenty-four inches (24") below the surface and restore the surface contour, unless the Supervisor or the surface land owner agrees otherwise in writing.

Representatives from the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission served on a panel at the second annual Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Section Summit in Casper, Wyoming. The event included a half day of CLE programming and offered an array of informative speakers.

The WOGCC panel consisted of Director Mark Watson who discussed Wyoming’s operatorship issues, WOGCC’s orphan well program, the agency’s outreach and education to surface owners that live near areas that have oil and gas activity, and an update of recent federal regulations. WOGCC’s engineers Sabrina Hamner, Tracye Rauscher and Frank Ingham gave an overview of examiner hearings and what they entail including uncontested spacing, pooling and increased density. They focused on how WOGCC hearings proceed and how applicants and their attorneys can ensure the process for approved permits moves along efficiently. Attorneys Eric Easton and Mike Armstrong presented on the recent changes to the WOGCC’s Chapter 5 rules.

“This is the second year WOGCC has presented a CLE program to our Section,” stated attorney Erin Murphy, who was the ENR Section Chair. “It is very helpful to our attorneys participating in the section to hear from the WOGCC. Not only do they gain a deeper understanding of Wyoming’s oil and gas regulations and processes, but they also have the opportunity to ask questions that pertain to their work and their clients regarding the agency.”

Kimberly Mazzakimberly.mazza@wyo.govwogccparticipatesintheenergynaturalresourcessectionsummit2https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/wyo.gov/oil-and-gas/48494821604575138402017-05-31T14:00:13.748Z2018-01-19T01:30:00.662Z2017-07-06T20:29:17.118ZNOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND/ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE WOGCC

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND/ADOPT

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE

WYOMING OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Pursuant to Wyo. Stat. 16-3-103 et seq., the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) is proposing to adopt, update and amend procedural rules found in Chapter 1 and 5, for the purpose of adopting as much of the Office of Administrative Hearings Uniform Rules for Contested Cases (OAH Rules) as is consistent with the specific and distinct requirements of the agency, pursuant to W.S. 16-3-103(j)(i).

The WOGCC is also proposing to adopt rules and regulations related to Uniform Procedures, Fees, Costs and Charges for Inspecting, Copying, and Producing Public Records, promulgated by the Department of Administration and Information pursuant to W.S. 16-4-204(e). It is proposed that the rule be adopted in whole as new Chapter 6.

These proposed rule amendments meet minimum substantive state statutory requirements pursuant to Wyo. Stat. 16-3-103(g). These rules are not adopted, amended or repealed to comply with federal law or regulatory requirements, pursuant to Wyo. Stat. 16-3-103(a)(i)(F). These rules have been determined to not constitute a taking, pursuant to W.S. 9-5-304. A copy of the assessment is available upon request to the Oil and Gas Supervisor.

Written comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted by: MAIL to the State Oil and Gas Supervisor, P.O. Box 2640, Casper, Wyoming 82602-2640; E-MAIL to WOGCC_rules@wyo.gov; or, FACSIMILE addressed to the State Oil and Gas Supervisor at 307-234-5306. Comments must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on July 28, 2017, to be considered.

No public hearing on the proposed rules has been scheduled. A public hearing will be held to discuss the proposed rules if requested by twenty-five (25) persons, a government subdivision or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members. Request for a public hearing may be address to: Public Hearing Request, Wyoming Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, P.O. Box 2640, Casper, WY 82602-2640.

The proposed amendments will be considered by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting date on TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017, AT 9:00 A.M., in the Conference Room of the Office of the State Oil and Gas Supervisor, 2211 King Boulevard, Casper, Wyoming. Any interested firm, person, or corporation may appear at the time and place aforesaid to be heard by the Commission.

Copies of these proposed amended and/or new chapters are available on the Commission’s website at http://wogcc.state.wy.us; the Secretary of State’s website at https://rules.wyo.gov/; by request via e-mail to Mark Watson (mark.watson@wyo.gov) or Karla Sanford (karla.sanford@wyo.gov); by fax at 307-234-5306; or, by telephone at 307-234-7147.

Any person may urge the agency not to adopt the rules as proposed and also request the agency to state its reasons for overruling the consideration urged against adoption. Requests for an agency response must be made prior to or within thirty (30) days after adoption of the rule, must be in writing, and must be addressed to:

Mark Watson, State Oil and Gas Supervisor

P.O. Box 2640

Casper, Wyoming, 82602-2640

These rules are not adopted, amended or repealed to comply with federal law or regulatory requirements. These rules have been determined to not constitute a taking, pursuant to W.S. 9-5-304.

(PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY ACCESS THE LEGACY WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE TAB ENTITLED "DATA" as noted below in Mark Watson's article)

Welcome to the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's new home page for our website! The modernized look incorporates our updated logo and brand. It also depicts Wyoming with our state animal and the University of Wyoming Cowboys colors. We are Wyoming Proud!

I invite you to take some time and explore the home page. I hope you find it easy to use and helpful for your work.

The drop down tabs at the top will take you to a great deal of the information you are accustomed to finding. You can also go directly to the legacy website through the data tab. We did this to make it easy and efficient to find key information you need at your fingertips.

The slide show will take you to highlighted news topics or information. One feature provides a chance to meet the folks that do the work at the WOGCC offices. We hope this puts a face to that person you often visit with on the phone or simply provides you an understanding of the wealth of knowledge and years of experience we have here within our staff.

New and pressing information will be found here in this section. Our desire is to keep all of our stakeholders and the public informed and up-to-date on items related to the WOGCC and the state.

In the future, there will be changes to the legacy website. Some of those changes you won’t notice except that you might find the information you need more easily.

Kimberly Mazzakimberly.mazza@wyo.govfromthesupervisor10https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/wyo.gov/oil-and-gas/7565514453021603192017-12-07T18:14:18.197Z2018-01-19T01:29:22.854Z2017-12-07T18:20:47.401ZBLM suspends or delays parts of waste prevention rule - A BLM news release was issued today regarding their suspending or delaying parts of the waste prevention rule. To see the BLM news release, please open this page and click on the link entitled: